Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2004

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints to include the spine, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. The increased rating claim for trapezitis is also remanded for further development.

The veteran withdrew her appeal for service connection of osteoarthritis of the left knee before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disability, compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for deep vein thrombosis, and a TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, left shoulder, and inguinal hernia. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound has been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The RO is instructed to obtain relevant records from the Social Security Administration, schedule a VA aid and attendance/housebound examination, and contact private medical providers who completed VA Forms 21-2680.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and entitlement to a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to the veteran's service-connected residuals of a total right knee replacement. The rating for residuals of a total right knee replacement remains at 30 percent prior to December 8, 2003.

The Board denied a claim for an increased evaluation for relaxation of the collateral ligaments of the left knee, finding that the veteran's total left knee arthroplasty was related to his nonservice-connected degenerative arthritis and not aggravated by or accelerating his service-connected ligament disability.

The Board denied an increased rating for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, left leg and denied service connection for degenerative arthritis, left knee. The appellant was not provided a statement of the case regarding his denial of service connection for degenerative arthritis, left knee.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 3, 1994 for special monthly pension at the housebound rate. The earliest evidence suggesting entitlement to this benefit was a letter from the veteran received by the RO on June 3, 1994.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, right shoulder impingement, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, status post foraminotomy and diskectomy, lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis of the hands, and degenerative arthritis of the knees, are related to service. The Board has granted these claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of both old and new criteria.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities, finding that the current evaluations of 30 percent and 10 percent are appropriate based on the symptoms described.

The Board has determined that the veteran's osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is service-connected, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant. However, there is no evidence of current arthritis in other joints such as cervical, lumbar, hips, feet, ankles, knees, or shoulders.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The headaches claim is denied as the evidence does not show characteristic prostrating attacks, while the low back and neck disability claims are based on the current rating criteria.